Greenroof Environmental Literacy Laboratory (GELL)

As a first-of-its-kind NYC Green Roof Environmental Literacy Laboratory, GELL provides PS41 students empirical lessons designed to enhance science, math and aesthetic education in an outdoor observational learning space. GELL has been made possible through the generous support and leadership of the Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, NY City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, NY State Senator Thomas K. Duane, and others. Once complete, GELL will serve as a prototype for raising public school students’ awareness of urban sustainability issues and farm-to-table agriculture. GELL’s impact promises to benefit students throughout New York City. In fact, it already has. Officials and parents from other schools are now coming to PS41 for advice on where to begin, and how to replicate our success. Better yet, as a result of PS41’s efforts, MBP Scott Stringer has funded a process within the SCA to initiate feasibility studies for public schools requesting green roof learning centers.

The Office of Sustainability, in conjunction with the Division of School Facilities, Schools Construction Authority, and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection Office of Green Infrastructure, offer guidance to schools that wish to pursue a green roof on their building.

To learn more about our progress and share your ideas, join our Facebook Group at www.groups.to/gell-ps41. Also, we are developing a green roof curriculum guide in partnership with two other New York City public schools. To learn more about this visit: http://www.greenroofeducation.org/

On November 15, 2017, P.S. 41 hosted an Educational Green Roof Conference in partnership with the NYC DOE Office of Sustainability, The Department of Environmental Protection, and National Wildlife Federation. The goal of the event was to help school administrators, teachers, and parents learn the benefits of school green roofs and understand the construction process. To view this presentation:

https://vimeo.com/245073818

https://vimeo.com/245073820

Photo: Jodi Kaye

Photo: Ari Burling

Our students are finally getting to use the roof!

Photos: Joaquin Rodriguez/ Vicki Sando

After six long years of fundraising, planning, and much patience, the roof is finally becoming green! Installation will be complete by the end of August, and the roof will be open to students this September 2012. This project would not have been possible without the tremendous support of many, many individuals who are committed to educating our children in green building technologies, and reconnecting them to nature. On behalf of our administration, teachers, students, and parents, we sincerely thank you!

GELL will completely transform PS41’s upper roof. With clear access and minimal protrusions, PS41’s top roof offers exceptional conditions for a greenroof. Located in one of New York City’s high-density, low open space neighborhoods, GELL will benefit the entire community. PS41’s eastern roof will have a fenced-in observational learning space with walkways and gathering areas between the two stairwells adjacent to 11th Street. The western section of the roof will be reserved for wildlife, providing habitat for birds, bats, butterflies and other insects. Already a scenic vista, PS41’s greenroof will enhance the surrounding neighborhood by adding 10,000+ sq. ft. of flora to a section of New York that suffers a dearth of greenery. Environmental benefits to NYC include improved air quality and a reduction in carbon footprint, heat stamp and sewage-storm water runoff.

Computer Image: Mark Vetter

K-5 students will use GELL: Our goal is to create a learning laboratory that raises environmental literacy and enhances students’ awareness of the stewardship role they play in the health of the planet. In addition to ecological study, lessons will incorporate tactile, non-abstract demonstrations in chemistry and mathematics, as well as nutrition and aesthetics. By integrating GELL’s green space learning facility into PS41’s curriculum—and offering hands-on educational opportunities in farm-to-table agriculture, urban sustainability and environmental stewardship—GELL will enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

Photo: Barbara Norman

GELL is a natural outgrowth of PS41’s gardening program, begun by Vicki Sando in the spring of 2003 and which she founded in 2006. The silent phase of GELL’s fundraising campaign began in 2006 when Christopher Hayes drafted GELL’s case statement and concept drawing. Since then, the school has raised almost $1.5M, in cash and in kind, from people who believe in GELL. Hundreds of people have helped so far, and we thank them for making GELL happen.

Photo: Vicki Sando

PS41 Gardening Program

PS41’s goal is to create a learning laboratory that raises environmental literacy and enhances students’ awareness of the stewardship role they play in the health of the planet. In addition to ecological study, the GELL will incorporate lessons in chemistry, biology, mathematics, nutrition and aesthetics. Providing a habitat for birds, bats, butterflies and other insects, at the same time the GELL will help improve air quality, as well as reduce the city’s carbon footprint and sewage-storm water runoff.

Located in one of New York City’s high-density, low open-space neighborhoods, GELL’s 15,000 sq. ft. observational learning environment will be one of the city’s largest municipal greenroofs at a NYC public school. PS41 will incorporate this greenspace learning facility into its lesson plans, offering hands-on educational opportunities in farm-to-table agriculture, urban sustainability and environmental stewardship. The GELL Project @ PS41 will serve as a prototype educational facility designed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

For some great information about creating the perfect flower garden with children visit: www.pickupflowers.com/flower-guide/flower-garden-resources-for-kids Thank you, Sarah for the tip!